Branding Iron 1935 - 1942

Elizabeth Johnson made this watercolor painting of a branding iron. The choice of medium and subject matter immediately sets up an interesting dialogue. Branding irons were traditionally forged from metal, and put into service as tools of ownership on ranches. In that context, they have a close association with labor, animal husbandry, and the economics of cattle production. The heavy iron gives way to Johnson's delicate watercolor technique, rendering the metal's texture and form with surprising nuance. The artist's hand is evident in the wispy washes of color and the precise rendering of the iron's curves. The presence of the drawn brand mark next to the branding iron underscores the object’s purpose, while also emphasizing the artist's act of observation and documentation. Through this work, Johnson invites us to consider how everyday objects can be elevated through art, challenging traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft.